9 unconventional Valentine's Day date ideas

After a while, flowers, candy, and an overpriced romantic dinner start to lose their Valentine’s Day appeal. You and your S.O. deserve a V-Day date just as awesome, weird, and amazing as your relationship — so here are just a few suggestions if you’re looking to shake things up.

1. Volunteer at an animal shelter

Give some furry friends a little extra loving this Valentine’s Day. Go for a nice, long walk with a couple of pups or take it easy and play with some kittens. It’s a win-win no matter what. To find the shelter closest to you, check out The Shelter Pet Project or Petfinder.

2. Visit a psychic

If you’re feeling unsure about your future with your partner, visiting a psychic is a fun way to find out if your intuition was right. Whether or not you believe what they have to say is up to you — but why not see what the future holds? Stock up on crystals and sage while you’re there for extra protection against bad voodoo.

3. Pretend you’re on Chopped and make a meal together

You pick three ingredients for the appetizer, and your partner picks three ingredients for the main. (Or vice versa, depending on your cooking skills.) Get experimental and try to make something delicious. If it’s a complete disaster, at least you can go out for dessert afterwards.

5. Go to a haunted house

If you and your partner are the mascots for anti-Valentine’s, you could always just pretend that it’s Halloween instead. Explore some spooky abandoned buildings or take a tour of your town’s most notorious haunts. Bring flashlights and a picnic if you’re feeling extra bold.

7. Go shopping for plants

If it’s too early to commit to co-parenting pets or children, start with something a little more manageable. Plants can turn a house into a home, and can help you determine just how good your partner is at taking care of things.

8. Get tested at Planned Parenthood

What’s sexier than making an active effort to check on your health? It’s always good to be up to date on your STI/D status — and no matter the results, your dearly beloved will be there by your side. (And if they aren’t, you’re probably better off without them, to be honest.) Set the scene for sexy times ahead: You’d be surprised just how hot it can be to have an open, honest discussion about sexual health. To find the Planned Parenthood closest to you, check out their website here.